July 28, 2026—America’s Communications Association (ACA Connects) announced the honorees of three top awards in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the success of our nation’s small and midsized communications operators. The awards were presented during the ACA Connects Members’ Meeting at The Independent Show 2026 in Orlando, Fla.
Lyn Simpson Grassroots Spirit Award
Patrick Caron, Cable One
Pat Caron, who serves as Associate General Counsel and Director of Government Affairs for Cable One, received the 2026 Lyn Simpson Grassroots Spirit Award. Caron was recognized for his dedication and assistance to ACA Connects’ grassroots mission of regulatory, legal, and legislative advocacy.
“Pat embodies the essence of the Lyn Simpson Grassroots Spirit Award through his unwavering dedication to independent operators and their freedom to serve their communities,” said ACA Connects President and CEO Grant Spellmeyer. “He is instrumental in helping ACA Connects understand how proposed regulations could impact independent operators and informing our advocacy efforts to cut red tape for our members.”
“I greatly value the considerable amount of thought, effort, and care Pat puts into supporting our work,” said ACA Connects Senior Vice President of Legal and Regulatory Affairs Brian Hurley. “It is a delight to work with him, and I truly appreciate the unique insight he provides on issues affecting our entire industry.”
Lyn Simpson of Sun Country Cable in California was one of ACA Connects’ founding members and early staff members who, despite many challenges, worked tirelessly in Washington and back home to lobby Congress and represent the concerns of all independent cable operators.
PAC Leadership Award
GCI
GCI is the recipient of the 2026 PAC Leadership Award for its continuous involvement with and support of ACA PAC. Dave Hymas, Vice President, Law & Corporate Advocacy and General Counsel for GCI, accepted the award on behalf of GCI.
“ACA PAC relies on contributions from our membership to support the lawmakers who demonstrate an appreciation and understanding of the important work independent operators are doing to connect their constituents,” said Spellmeyer. “GCI employees’ long-running investments in ACA PAC allow us to help the campaigns of lawmakers at the forefront of public policies affecting the future of communications in America.”
The ACA PAC Award is presented annually to a Member Company or individual that supports the ACA PAC to help support candidates in Congress who are champions for small and independent providers.
ACA Connects Partnership Award
IPpay
The ACA Connects Partnership Award was presented to IPpay in recognition of the company’s steadfast support of ACA Connects. Brian Young, President of IPpay, accepted the award on the company’s behalf at The Independent Show.
“Since joining ACA Connects as an Associate Member in 2022, IPpay has been a steady presence at our annual events where we plan, develop, and execute our advocacy efforts on behalf of independent operators,” said Spellmeyer. “We appreciate their partnership in helping us deliver for our members and the tens of millions of Americans they serve.”
The ACA Connects Partnership Award is presented to an Associate Member who has demonstrated dedication to the mission of ACA Connects and to the success of smaller, independent operators.
America’s Communications Association (ACA Connects) is a trade organization representing approximately 500 small and medium-sized, independent companies that provide high-speed internet, video, phone, and mobile services covering 29 million households. ACA Connects members operate in every state, providing advanced communications to connect homes, companies, main street, schools, hospitals and more. America’s economic prosperity in smaller communities and rural areas depends on the growth and success of independent operators, who believe a connected nation is a prosperous nation. For more information, visit www.acaconnects.org.